BACKGROUND: The imported artificial kidney costs much and has design deficiency, for example, various kinds of middle or small-sized molecules, such as electrolytes and glucose, are missing while filtering the water out.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possibility of domestically produced artificial kidney for extracorporeal circulation during cardiac surgery.
METHODS: A total of 17 patients were included, comprising 9 patients subjected to valve replacement, 5 undergoing coronary artery bypass, 2 suffering from fallot's tetralogy, and 1 with double outlet right ventricle. The arterial end of the extracorporeal circulation was provided with a microthrombus filter, with a T joint on its top with one of the ports connected with a pressure gauge, one connected with the blood inlet of the hemodialyzer, and one (the blood outlet) connected with the inlet of a blood container, which led the blood into an oxygenator. The arterial pressure and central venous pressure were maintained by regulating the flow rate of pressure gauge. Eighteen patients who received treatment using filter in conjunction with diuretic agent served as controls. Prior to and after extracorporeal circulation, cardioplegic solution was calculated, and the mean arterial pressure and central venous pressure were maintained. In addition, changes in electrolytes, glucose, and osmotic concentration were also monitored prior to and after extracorporeal circulation.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: During cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation, polysulfone dialyser showed a significant water filtration. No significant difference was observed between prior to and after use of artificial kidney in terms of electrolyte, urea nitrogen, glucose, and osmotic pressure. These findings indicate that domestically produced artificial kidney polysulfone dialyser can substitute hyperfiltration apparatus to be applied to extracorporeal circulation with more benefits, which positively affect postoperative recovery of cardiac function, prevent from other complications, and provide another prospect for some patients with sever cardiac dysfunction or prolonged extracorporeal circulation, infant patients, or patients with higher liquid intake but lower urine volume.